A 6-foot, 205-pound defenseman, Reese had appeared in 74 career NHL games with the New York Islanders, notching 17 points (3G-14A). Last season, Reese established career highs at the NHL level in games played (28), assists (6) and points (7).

Originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the seventh round (209th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft, Reese played four seasons of college hockey between 2003-07.

Prior to attending Harvard, Reese played high school hockey for Upper St. Clair and junior hockey for the Pittsburgh Forge of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).